USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > An address delivered on the two hundredth anniversary of the organization of the First Baptist church, Boston, June 7, 1865 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
BY REV. WILLIAM HAGUE, D. D.
FATHERS, BRETHREN, AND FRIENDS:
We have entered this temple to-day, with songs of thanksgiving, in order to celebrate an historical era, -the close of the second century of this church, the First Baptist Church of Boston, whose fortunes have been identified with the fortunes of that great 'Principle of Religious Liberty, which has not only survived the storms of fiery persecution, but has established its supremacy in the mind and heart of this nation, from sea to sea, over the breadth of the Ameri- can continent.
Two hundred years ago, this church, consisting of "a few, that is, eight persons," so small, so weak, so destitute of every kind of power, except the indomitable power of Truth, was, with a single exception, the only organized body within the bounds of Massachu- setts that stood forth as the Representative Witness of that far-reach- ing doctrine, now cherished as a sacred legacy in the homes of the millions, that "the Conscience of the individual should be free, and men should not be punished for worshipping God as they were persuaded he required." The single exception referred to, was the Baptist Church of Swanzea, on the border of Rhode Island, ten miles from Providence, founded, in 1649, by the Rev. John Miles, an emigrant from Wales, who brought with him the records of the church to which he had belonged in "the old country," settled at Wammamoiset, within the bounds of the Plymouth Colony,
62
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS.
obtained a grant of land, and named it Swanzea, in honor of the town that he had left in the Principality that had given him birth. At that time, these two churches, occupying so distinguished a posi- tion within the territory of this ancient and honorable Common- wealth, with a true martyr-spirit, held forth one testimony in behalf of the inalienable rights of Conscience, standing up in the sight of " Heaven, angels, and men," prophesying, clothed in sackcloth, "like the two witnesses " described in the vision of the inspired Prophet of Patmos.
That sister-church of exiles for conscience' sake, lived in a state of comparative seclusion, enjoying a good degree of legal protec- tion ; but this church occupied a conspicuous place in what was then the chief city of New England, under the eye of a civil government founded upon the principle that the Church and State were one compacted organism. Of course, in the year 1665, when this church arose, asserting the "right of private judgment" in matters of religion, declaring that the simple Christianity of the New Testament recognized no bond of union with the outward, visible church, except an unconstrained, free, voluntary profession of personal faith, and claiming protection on the ground of an " inalienable right," the Ruling Power marvelled at its audacity and doomed it to suffer all of those " pains and penalties " with which their own fathers had been familiar in the Old World from which they had fled.
For more than half a century did this consuming fire of perse- cution rage within and around this goodly city, and not until the year 1718 did a change come over the spirit of the Ruling Power and its policy in Massachusetts. All honor to those three principal clergymen of Boston, Dr. Increase Mather, Dr. Cotton Mather, and Mr. John Webb, who then stepped forward to stem the fiery tide, by taking part in the public ordination of Mr. Elisha Cal lender, a graduate of Harvard University, whom they knew and loved as a man, a Christian, and a faithful minister, in spite of his alleged heresies. The sermon of Cotton Mather on that day, May 21st, 1718, - the sermon wherein he abjured all fellow-
·
63
LETTER FROM REV. DR. STOW.
ship with the oppressive spirit of the past, - was a signal event in the history of this Church, and this State, well worthy of grateful mention and commendation here to-day.
If he be permitted, now and then, from the spirit-land to come and hover over the old city of his habitation, this still thriving and far-spreading metropolis, no doubt he has been delighted to observe upon the old central hill, the beautiful dome of the Capitol welcoming to its aerial neighborhood the spire of that First Bap- tist Church, which, in the days of its weakness and suffering, he penitently and nobly befriended.
For that one act of his useful life, even if all others be for- gotten, let his name be fragrant within these walls.
In the discourse to which we shall soon listen, from the lips of my honored brother and immediate successor in the pastorship of this church, there will be mentioned the names of good men whom we remember with affection ; and as their images pass before us, recalling the days and scenes of youth, long-cherished associations ever dear to memory, the deeper springs of feeling in our moral nature will be unsealed ; and, amid our smiles and joyous recogni- tion here, the silent tear will flow unbidden, as a spontaneous tribute at the shrine of departed friendship, of sacred brotherhoods and communions removed from earth to be regained in heaven.
LETTER FROM REV. DR. STOW.
BOSTON, 16 June, 1865.
To the Rev. ROLLIN H. NEALE, D. D.
My dear Brother, - It was a great disappointment to me that I could not be present and participate with you and your people in the commemorative services on the 7th instant. I was providentially detained hundreds of miles away. But I was " with you in the spirit, joying, and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ."
The church you have served nearly twenty-eight years has a creditable history, which I am glad to know, you have fully sketched, and propose to add, in permanent form, to the historical literature of our denomination. In
64
REVIEW OF THE SERVICES.
the ministry of your church have been honored names already written high among those of the great and good in Zion. No better men and women have trodden the streets of Boston, or worshipped in its sanctuaries, than many in the membership of the " Old First Church." My remembrance of some of them extends back to the period when Dr. Wayland was the pastor, and I can bear testimony to their strong good sense, their deep piety, their elevated standard of morality, their knowledge of the sacred Scriptures, and their firm adherence to " the faith once delivered to the saints." " Rooted and built up in Him " who is the Life and the Strength of His people, they were stable Christians. Their faith stood, not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God, and was not disturbed by any " wind of doctrine," that blew hot or cold around them. I could name such, " of whom the world was not worthy," and who commanded the world's respect.
The unwavering stability of your church in the Baptist faith and polity is attributable to the fact that it has been " grounded and settled" under faith- ful Biblical teaching, and tested by adverse forces that would have shaken any edifice not " built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ HIMSELF being the Chief Corner-Stone." Such teaching as it has had in the past, may it have along the future, unmixed by the philosophy of a sceptical, sensuous age. May you, my brother, have grace to abide in Christ and bring your people into close union with Him as their spiritual Head, -the Source of their vitality, the Fount of their intelligence, the Centre of their authority.
The relations which have subsisted between you and myself, through forty years of fraternal intercourse, justify me in using strong expressions of af- fectionate esteem.
BARON STOW.
Letters of congratulation and kindness were also received from the " Old Baldwin Place Church," and from the Second Church in Newport, R. I.
A REVIEW OF THE SERVICES.
All the circumstances attending this two hundredth anniversary were eminently favorable, and will long be cherished among our most pleasant memories. The day itself was balmy and delightful. The meeting of present and past members of the church and con- gregation called up afresh the scenes of former days. The sanetu- ary was appropriately decorated with flowers and evergreens and
REVIEW OF THE SERVICES. 65
the national banners. The names of the pastors were arranged, in the order of their pastorate, on the front of the galleries, the pulpit, and the organ-loft. Prominent incidents in the history of the church were presented to the eye. On the right of the pulpit was the fol- lowing record of the organization of the church : -
Ye 28th of ye 3rd month. 1665 in Charlestown, ye Church of Christ com- monly (though falsely) called Anabaptists, were gathered together and entered into fellowship and communion with each other, engaging to walk together in all the appointments of their Lord and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, as far as He should be pleased to make known His mind and will unto them by His word and Spirit, and then was baptized Thomas Gould, Thomas Osborne, Edward Drinker, John George, and joined with Richard Goodall, Wm. Turner, Robert Lambert, Mary Goodall and Mary Newell, who had walked in that order in Old England.
And on the left was the following official order "inhibiting" the Church from occupying their own " meeting-house."
" All persons are to take notice yt by ordr of ye Court ye dores of this house are shutt up. & yt they are inhibited to hold any meeting therein or to open ye dores thereof, without lishence from Authority till ye gennerall Court take further order, as they will answer ye Contrary att theire prill dated in boston 8th March 1680
by Ordr of ye Councell Edward Raweson Seecretary."
These tablets, and the names of the Pastors, were festooned with oaken wreaths. The whole scene was animating, and the air fragrant with beautiful bouquets. "The Old Church-Book," bearing upon its pages the footprints of time, lay on the communion-table, inclosed in a glass case. Here, also, was exhibited the communion-service, which, like the vessels of the ancient sanctuary, drew tears from the eye of the beholder. The silver cups, with the inscriptions and names of the donors, had been presented at different periods, and were of various sizes and fashions. They were, of course, familiar to past and present members, and awakened sacred and tender emotions. A large audi- ence was in attendance, consisting, not only of our own congregation
I
66
SOCIAL FESTIVAL.
but of pastors and members of other Baptist churches in the city and vicinity, professors and students from Newton Theo. Institution, and also ministers and members of other denominations, Dr. Kirk, Dr. Adams, Dr. E. S. Gannett, Dr. Walker, ex-president of Harvard Uni- versity, the venerable Dr. Jenks, now near ninety years of age, and the still more venerable Father Cleaveland, who is approaching his one hundredth year.
THE SOCIAL FESTIVAL.
The social festival in the evening gave increased interest to the occasion. This was held in the spacious chapel, which was well ar- ranged, and most " bountifully " provided for. Addresses were made by several clergymen and other brethren, Drs. Wayland, Hague, Kirk, Cushman, the Pastor, and others. Dr. Wayland was in his happiest mood. He made a speech full of personal reminiscences, and breathing the spirit of matured piety. He sang with his old parishioners, and went around among them, reviving the scenes of his early experience. Dr. Cushman was present, vigorous and strong, speaking kindly of the Church and Pastor, in whose neigh- borhood he lived while himself the Pastor of the Bowdoin-Square Church. It was emphatically a reunion of " the family." Most of the time was passed in social conversation, and all seemed to enjoy the interview. We realized the truth of the sentiments which we often sing -
" Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love ; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above."
6
istorical Matters.
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
THE COMMUNION-SERVICE PLATE.
THE communion-vessels consist of two flagons, eighteen cups, four plates, and one spoon.
The flagons are marked thus: "The gift of Mr. Jona. Harris to the First Baptist Church of Christ in Boston, 1792." The following record is found on the church-book, under date Nov. 30, 1792: "The minister, in the name of Mr. Jona. Harris, merchant, presented an elegant pair of plated flagons to the Church, of which he requested their acceptance."
One cup is marked, "Ex dona J. & M. Russell, 1714." Cup marked, "Ex dona Mary Russell to ye Church." Cup marked, " The gift of Wm. Snell to ye Baptist Church in Boston, 1727." Record concerning this : "May 8, 1727. Wm. Snell, having be- queathed twelve ounces and twelve pennyweights of plate to the Church, - Voted, that this plate be made into a handsome cup with his name upon it, but one spoon with his name upon it shall be reserved for the use of the Lord's table." [This spoon is placed upon the Lord's table at every communion season. ]
Cup marked, "F-I F." Record as follows: "Sept. 7, 1729. The Church received a small silver cup marked F-IF, the legacy of Mr. John Foreland and his first wife, who was a member of the Baptist Church in Boston."
Cup marked, "The Gift of Mr. Edward Richardson to the baptist Church in boston." Record Aug. 2, 1760: " Four pounds lawful money, legacy of Edward Richardson, of Newbury, was placed in
5
70
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
the hands of Dea. Bulfinch, to be laid out in a piece of plate for the communion-table."
Goblet marked, "Ex dono R. K." [No record.] Goblet marked, "Ex dono sc. Tistm. A. D. per T. A." [No record.]
Two large plated goblets and two plates, not marked. Record as follows: " April 29, 1793. The minister informed the Church that our brethren William White and Jonas Welch had made a present to the church of two plated goblets and two plated dishes for the communion-table."
Two plated goblets and two plates were purchased by the Church about thirty years since.
Three silver goblets marked, " Presented to the First Baptist Church by Mrs. Lucy Snow, 1854."
Three silver goblets marked, " Presented to the First Baptist Church by Mrs. P. C. Loring, 1854."
These vessels of the sanctuary are indeed sacred and eloquent memorials of the past. On each communion season they recall to us the days of Russell, Callender, Condy, and Stillman. They remind us of the devotedness of our fathers to the interests of the Church. They call up before us the multitude witnesses, now gone to their reward, who once received the symbolical emblems of the Saviour's death from these simple vessels.
ARTICLES OF FAITHI.
AGREED UPON, A. D. 1665.
Wi believe with the heart, and confess with the mouth, that there is. but one God,t Creator and Governor of all things.# distinguished into Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,§ and that this is life eternal, to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent.
· Deut. 6: 4. 1 Tim. 2: 6. Eph. 4: 6. 1 Gen. 1: 1. Heb. 11: 13. # Matt. 3: 16. 1 John 5: 7. 6 John 17:3. Heb. 6: 9.
71
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
And that the rule of this knowledge, faith, and obedience, concerning . the worship and service of God, and all other Christian duties, is the written Word of God, contained in the books of the Old and New Testaments .*
* John 5: 39. 2 Tim. 3: 15, 16, 17. Deut. 4: 2, 5, 6. Gen. 6:22. Ex. 20: 4, 56. 39 : 42, 43. 1 Chron. 28:19. Ps. 119. Gal. 1: 8. Rom. 22: 18, 19.
We believe, Christ is the foundation laid by the Father,* of whom Moses and the Prophets wrote and the Apostles preached ; } who is that great Prophet whom we are to hear in all things; } who hath perfectly revealed, out of the bosom of his Father, the whole word and will of God, which his servants are to know, believe, and obey.§
* Gen. 3: 15. 22: 18. 1 Deut. 18: 15. Ps. 22: 6, 7, 12, 17. į Deut. 18:15. Acts 3: 22, 23. § John 1: 18. 12: 29. 15: 15. 17: 18 .. Matt. 17:5. 2 Tim. 3: 15, 16, 17.
Christ's commission to his disciples is to teach and baptize ; * and those who gladly receive the word and are baptized, are his by call- ing, and fit matter for a visible Church; f and a competent number of such, joined together in covenant, and fellowship of the Gospel, are a Church of Christ.}
* Matt. 28: 19. Acts 9: 10, 18. 10:28. f Acts 2:41. # 1 Cor. 1. Jer. 50 : 4, 5. Ps. 50: 5. Micah 4: 5. Matt. 18.
We believe, that a Church, thus established, are to walk in all the appointments of Christ; * and have power from him to choose from among themselves their own officers ; whom the Gospel allows to administer in the ordinances of Christ among them, - whom they may depute or ordain to this end.t
* Matt. 28: 20. t Acts 6: 3, 5, 6. 9: 10, 18. 10: 47, 48. 14:23. Rom. 12.
And this Church hath power to receive into their fellowship visible
72
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
believers ; * and, if any prove scandalous, obstinate, and wicked, to put forth such from among them.f When the Church is met together they may prophesy, one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted ; ; and they ought to meet together, the first day of the week, to attend upon the Lord in all his holy ordinances, continuing in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and breaking bread, and prayers.§
* Rom. 14:1. 16: 2. t Matt. 18: 7. 1 Cor. 4:5. # 1 Cor. 14: 23, 24, 25, 31 § Acts 20: 7. 1 Cor. 16: 2. Acts 2: 42.
We acknowledge Magistracy to be an ordinance of God, and to submit ourselves to them in the Lord, not because of wrath only, but also for conscience' sake .*
* Rom. 13: 1. 1 Pet. 2: 13, 14.
Thus we desire to give unto God that which is God's, and unto Cæsar that which is Ceasar's, and to every man that which belongeth to him ; * endeavoring always to have a clear conscience, void of offence towards God, and also towards man, having hope in God. That the resurrection of the dead will be of the just, unto life; and of the unjust unto condemnation everlasting.t If any take this to be heresy, then do we, with the Apostles, confess, that after the way which they call heresy, we worship the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ; believing ALL THINGS written in the Law, and in the Proph- ets, and in the Psalms.#
* Matt. 22 : 21. 1 Acts 24: 14, 15, 16. John 5:28. # 2 Tim. 1: 13. 3: 14, 15, 16, 17 Matt. 10:32.
CHURCH COVENANT.
ADOPTED, 1665.
As we trust we have been bronght, by divine grace, to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and, by the influence of his Spirit, to give our- selves up to him ; so do we now solemnly covenant with each other,
73
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
as God shall enable us, to walk together in brotherly love; that we will exercise a Christian care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully warn, rebuke, and admonish our brethren, as the case shall require ; that we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor omit the great duty of prayer, both for ourselves and for others ; that we will participate in each other's joys, and endeavor, with ten- derness and sympathy, to bear each other's burdens and sorrows ; that we will seek divine aid to enable us to walk circumspectly and watch- fully in the world, denying ungodliness and every worldly lust ; that we will strive together for the support of a faithful, evangelical minis- try among us ; and through life, amidst evil report and good report, seek to live to the glory of Him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
- THE OLD MEETING-HOUSES.
The frame of the old meeting-house, in Stillman Street, was re- moved to South Boston, and constitutes the materials of the South Boston Baptist Church, Broadway, Rev. G. S. Abbot present pastor. The old pulpit where Wayland and Winchell and Stillman preached, is in the vestry of that church.
The meeting-house at the corner of Hanover and Union Streets is now used for a carpet store. The front part of it has been removed for the purpose of widening the street.
CONTENTS OF THE BOX PLACED UNDER THE CORNER-STONE OF THE HOUSE, CORNER OF UNION AND HANOVER STREETS : -
1. A Sermon delivered at the Dedication of the Baptist Meeting-house, in Charlestown, Mass., May 12, by Samuel Stillman, D. D.
2. A Discourse delivered by Rev. Joseph Clay, A. M., August 19, 1807, - on the occasion of his Installation to the pastoral care of the First Baptist Church and Society in Boston.
J
74
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
3. Two Discourses, exhibiting an Historical Sketch of the First Baptist Church in Boston, from its formation in Charlestown, 1665, to the beginning of 1818, by Rev. James M. Winchell, A. M.
4. A Sermon on the Moral Dignity of the Missionary Enterprise, delivered Oct. 26, 1823, by Francis Wayland, Jr., A. M.
5. The eleventh number of the first volume of the Baptist Preacher, pub ished by Rev. Wm. Collier, containing a sermon by Rev. Cyrus P. Grosvenor, A. M. TEXT, -" Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin."
6. The American Baptist Magazine for Sept., 1828.
7. The Minutes of the seventeenth anniversary of the Boston Baptist As- sociation, held in Cambridge, 17th and 18th September, 1828.
8. The last Christian Watchman.
2. The six daily papers of the city, of Oct. 21, 1828.
The plate, this day (Oct. 21, 1828) deposited under the corner-stone of the new meeting-house for this church, at the corner of Hanover and Union streets, is of silver, weighing three ounces, and being six inches by four in measure. The inscription on it is as follows : The First Baptist Church in Boston, Mass., was gathered in Charlestown, A. D. 1665, and removed to Boston, A. D. 1679. The first members were, - Thomas Gold, Thomas Os- bourne, Edward Drinker, John George, William Turner, Robert Lambert, Mary Goodall, Mary Nowell, Richard Goodall.
The names of the Pastors and the years of their settlement.
THOMAS GOLD, settled A. D., 1665.
JOHN RUSSELL, ISAAC HULL, 1675.
JOHN EMBLEM, 1684. ELLIS CALLENDER, 1708. ELISHA CALLENDER, A. M., 1718. JEREMIAH CONDY, A.M., 1739. One
SAML. STILL.MAN, D. D., 1765. JOSEPH CLAY, A. M., 1807. JAMES MANNING WINCHELL, A. M., 1814.
side.
FRANCIS WAYLAND, JUN., D. D., 1821. CYRUS PITT GROSVENOR, A. M., 1827.
HISTORICAL MATTERS. 75
The Present Officers of the Church.
CYRUS P. GROSVENOR, Pastor.
JOHN SULLIVAN, -
JOSEPH URANN, Deacons.
The Building Committee. The
JOHN SULLIVAN.
JOSEPH URANN.
ICHABOD MACOMBER.
JOHN K. SIMPSON.
reverse.
SAMUEL BEAL.
EMERY RICE.
THOMAS GOULD.
SIMON G. SHIPLEY.
JOHN GAIR.
GEO. S. GODDARD.
ISAAC DAVIS.
MOSES POND.
CHARLES WELLS, Superintendent.
" One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."
BOSTON, October 21st, A. D. 1828.
THE SERVICES AT THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW MEETING- HOUSE, IN HANOVER STREET, Thursday, June 18, 1829, were as follows: -
1. Invocation, by the Pastor.
2. Anthem.
3. Dedicatory Prayer, by Rev. James D. Knowles.
4. Anthem.
5. Reading Scriptures by Rev. Dr. Sharp.
6. Singing of hymn 175, of Winchell's Supplement.
7. Sermon, by C. P. Grosvenor, from Romans 11: 36. " For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.
8. Prayer, by Rev. Howard Malcom.
9. Anthem - Doxology in Old Hundred.
10. Benediction, by the Pastor.
THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE OF THE NEW CHURCH, ON SOMERSET STREET, took place at 8 o'clock, on the morning of Sept. 12, 1853.
The exercises were as follows : -
1. Prayer, by Rev. William Howe.
2. 178th Hymn of Winchell's Selections.
3. An Address, by Rev. Dr. Neale.
4. Reading of the contents of the box to be deposited beneath the corner- stone.
-
1
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
The inscription was as follows : -
The Baptist Church in Boston was gathered in Charlestown A. D. 1665, and removed to Boston A. D. 1679.
NAMES OF PASTORS.
THOMAS GOLD,
Settled,
1665,
. Died,
1675.
ISAAC HULL,
Licensed, 1673,
1690.
JOHN RUSSELL,
Settled,
1679,
1680.
JOHN EMBLEM,
1684,
1702.
ELLIS CALLENDER,
1708,
66
1726.
ELISHA CALLENDER,
66
1718,
1738.
JEREMIAH CONDY,
66
1739,
. Resigned, 1765.
SAMUEL STILLMAN,
60
1765,
Died,
1807.
JOSEPH CLAY,
1807,
66 1811.
JAMES M. WINCHELL,
1814,
66 1820.
FRANCIS WAYLAND,
1821,
. Resigned, 1826.
CYRUS P. GROSVENOR,
1827,
1830.
W.M. HAGUE,
66
1830,
1837.
ROLLIN H. NEALE,
1837,
Present Pastor.
·
PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH, 1853.
Pastor - Rev. Rollin H. Neale, D. D.
Deacons -Joseph Urann, Thomas Richardson, Thomas P. Foster, Abijah Patch.
Clerk. - George E. Learnard.
Treasurer. - William Grubb.
Superintendent Sabbath-School. - Cyrus Carpenter.
Building Committee. - Thomas Richardson, Nathaniel Hill, William Grubb, Daniel P. Simpson, Edward Sands, Cyrus Carpenter, Artemus Ham- mond. Charles P. Chamberlin, William H. Learnard.
Architect .- William Washburn.
Master Mason. - Carlton Parker.
Carpenters. - C. & S. Barker.
5. The box was then deposited, and the corner-stone laid by Dr. Neale.
6. Prayer was offered by Dr. Stow.
7. Doxology and Benediction.
..
76
77
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
CONTENTS OF THE BOX DEPOSITED BENEATH THE CORNER-STONE ON SOMERSET STREET : -
I. A Sermon by Rev. Dr. Stillman, delivered Nov., 1790, entitled Apos- tolic Preaching.
II. A Sermon by Rev. James M. Winchell, being an Historical Sketch of this Church.
III. Three Sermons by Rev. Francis Wayland, D. D.
1. On the Duties of an American Citizen.
2. On the Moral Dignity of the Missionary Enterprise.
3. A manuscript Sermon preached at the funeral of Rev. Dr. Sharp.
IV. A Sermon by Rev. William Hague, D. D., on the Life and Character of Rev. Dr. Judson, delivered May 1851.
V. The following Sermons by Rev. R. H. Neale, D. D. :
1. Election sermon, delivered before the Legislature, Jan. 1852.
2. The Incarnation, preached before the Association, 1849.
3. The Burning Bush, preached 1850.
4. Manuscript Sermon from the words, " The word of God is not bound."
VI. Funeral Sermon, on the Death of Rev. Dr. Bolles, by Rev. Dr. Daniel Sharp, from the words, " Jesus wept."
VII. Sermon by Rev. Baron Stow, D. D., entitled, A Tribute to the Memory of the late Rev. Dr. Sharp, delivered July, 1853.
VIII. Manuscript Sermon by Rev. Mr. Wines, pastor of the Bowdoin Square Church.
IX. Essay to Sabbath School Teachers, by Rev. Wm. Howe, pastor of the Merrimac Street Church.
X. Baptist Periodicals.
XI. Annual Reports of various Baptist Benevolent Societies.
XII. Minutes of the Boston Baptist Association.
XIII. Church Covenant of the Boston Bethel Church with Hymns, by Rev. Phineas Stowe, pastor.
XIV. History of the First Baptist Church, Boston, with names of members, 1853.
XV. Copperplate Engraving of Rev. Dr. Stillman.
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
XVI. Engraving of Rev. Mr. Wnichell.
XVII. Crystallotype Likeness of Rev. Dr. Neale.
XVIII. A Parchment Inscription, containing the names of all the pastors of the church, with the dates of their settlement and decease or resignation.
XIX. The daily Newspapers of this city of this date, Sept. 12, 1853. XX. A Letter from the church to their successors, who may open the box.
ORDER OF EXERCISES AT THE DEDICATION OF THE FIRST BAP- TIST CHURCH, SOMERSET STREET, Thursday, January 11, 1855.
1. Voluntary and Anthem.
2. Prayer by Rev. Dr. Stow.
3. Hymn by Rev. S. F. Smith, D. D.
4. Reading the Scriptures, by Rev. Dr. Kirk.
5. Dedicatory Prayer by Pres. Wayland.
6. Hymn 206, Psalmist.
7. Sermon by the pastor. - Heb. x. 19. 20.
8. Hymn 21, Psahnist.
9. Prayer by Rev. Dr. Caldicott.
10. Anthem, " Glory be to God."
11. Benediction.
LETTER REFERRED TO AS AMONG THE CONTENTS OF THE BOX DEPOSITED UNDER THE CORNER-STONE OF THE PRESENT MEET- ING-HOUSE, SOMERSET STREET :--
BELOVED BRETHREN AND SISTERS: -
Deeply interested, as we are, in the past history of this ancient church, our hearts are moved with affectionate solicitude for those who shall come after us. We differ, in some respects, from our fathers as you probably will differ from us. External manners and customs change with the lapse of time. But the great and essential truths of the gospel, namely, that Jesus Christ was God manifest in the flesh ; that the sinner is saved only through faith in the vicarious sufferings of the Son of God; that regeneration is an essential prerequisite to
79
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
personal piety, and to our ultimate admission to the kingdom of heaven ; and that this change is wrought only through the sovereign agency of the Holy Spirit, - are sentiments which we now hold as they were expressed by the original founders of the church, two hundred years ago. And we exhort you, " scrupulously to hold fast the form of sound words."
May these doctrines be faithfully preached, and most surely be- lieved, by the successive pastors and members of this church, through all coming time.
Dear Brethren :- To whatever extent our goodly city may have grown in your day, and whatever changes and improvements may then occur in society, let nothing be added to or taken from the vol- ume of inspiration ; our holy faith was pure and perfect at its origin ; we exhort you, therefore, that you keep the commandments, the doc- trines, and the ordinances, as they have been delivered unto us from inspired apostles, and by authority of the Great Head of the Church. We herewith transmit to you the Articles of Faith and Church Cove- nant adopted by our fathers in 1665, with various other documents, which will give you an idea of our present state and condition.
May your lives, dear brethren, be conformed to your high and holy profession ; may the gospel in your day be rapidly extending its in- fluence over the whole earth ; may you find these United States still one nation, increasingly prosperous and happy ; and, ere you read this letter, the Lord grant that LIBERTY may have been proclaimed to all the inhabitants throughout the length and breadth of the land. We earnestly pray that the choicest blessings of Heaven may descend upon you and upon those who shall succeed you, and though we meet not on earth, we anticipate a joyous recognition and delightful communings in the promised land.
In behalf of the First Baptist Church, Boston.
ROLLIN H. NEALE, Pastor.
September 12, 1853.
80
HISTORICAL MATTERS.
The following persons have officiated as deacons of the Church :-
Names. When chosen.
Names.
When chosen.
THOMAS SKINNER, 1670
WILLIAM CAPEN,
1790
EDWARD DRINKER, . . 1670
JOHN WAIT, 1801
HUMPHREY KIRKWOOD, 1681
JAMES LORING, .
1807
PRINCE SNOW, JR., 1807
JOHN SULLIVAN, 1825
JOSIAS BYLES, 1720
JOSEPH URANN, 1828
SHEM DROWNE, . 1721
MOSES POND, 1828
JOSEPH HILLER, JR., 1754
JOHN SPENCE, 1835
SKINNER RUSSELL, 1751
SIMON G. SHIPLEY, 1838
JOHN BULFINCH, 1759
THOMAS RICHARDSON, . 1840
NATHAN HANCOCK, 1759
THOMAS P. FOSTER, . 1845
SHEM DROWNE, 1774
ABIJAH PATCH, 1847
PHILIP FREEMAN, 1779
RICHARD GRIDLEY, 1779
DANIEL WILD,
1787
PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
ROLLIN H. NEALE, PASTOR.
DEACONS.
THOMAS RICHARDSON,
JOHN Q. A. LITCHFIELD,
THOMAS P. FOSTER,
ABIJAH PATCH,
CHARLES A. TURNER.
CYRUS CARPENTER, Superintendent of Sabbath School.
WILLIAM H. BREWER, Church Clerk.
SOCIETY'S COMMITTEE.
DANIEL P. SiMrsox, Chairman, EDWARD SANDS,
JOHN Q. A. LITCHFIELD,
WM. II. LEARNARD, JR.,
GILBERT C. BROWN,
SAMUEL B. HOPKINS,
THOMAS P. FOSTER,
OLIVER D. KIMBALL,
CALEB G. BARKER,
RICHARD F. MURRAY,
CYRUS CARPENTER,
ERASTUS B. BADGER.
CHAS. A. TURNER, Clerk and Treasurer.
7653
5
JOHN Q. A. LITCHIFIELD, 1861
CHARLES A. TURNER,
.
1861
BENJAMIN SWEETSER, 1688 .
RICHARD B. PROCTOR, 1718
Beேன்
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.